The U.S. Constitution requires the president to present to the Congress a report on the status of the country. This traditionally is done once each year.
In his first State of the Union address to Congress and the American public, President Obama covered numerous topics of current issues and proposals for moving forward. He addressed problems and solutions related to the economy and jobs, education, the political process in Washington, national security, and immigration.
For details, read the transcript of the president’s speech and see the reports filed by VOA correspondents and reporters (below).
Replay VOA's special program of President Obama's State of the Union Address and the Republican Party response
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And, read more about the president's first year in office in our
special report.
President Obama said change is not easy and he will continue to pursue it
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said federal government is trying to do too much
Barack Obama called on both Democrats and Republicans to overcome their bitter partisan divisions and work together to solve problems
For Israelis and Palestinians, it is not what President Obama said in his State of the Union address, but what he did not say
President spoke before a joint session of the US Congress
US president prepares to deliver annual State of the Union Address Wednesday before Joint Session of Congress
President Obama tells ABC television he will not shy away from taking tough action he feels is necessary
Administration officials say US president will propose freeze in State of the Union address on Wednesday
Congressional Budget Office warns of slow employment gains, unsustainable long-term fiscal situation, increasing debt
Announcement comes just hours after release of report critical of US government's ability to prepare for and respond to attacks
President Obama is now taking a more populist approach - focusing on day-to-day issues that create money woes for many families
